Sun Feb 01 05:30:00 UTC 2026: ### Nurmagomedov Dominates Figueiredo, Inches Closer to Bantamweight Title Shot at UFC 324
Umar Nurmagomedov secured a dominant unanimous decision victory over former two-time flyweight champion Deiveson Figueiredo at UFC 324 on Saturday. The fight, a featured preliminary card bout, served as a crucial stepping stone for Nurmagomedov in the bantamweight division. While Figueiredo, ranked sixth, entered off a win, his failure to make weight on Friday cast a shadow over his performance. Nurmagomedov, rebounding from his first career loss, delivered a comprehensive performance, controlling the fight with superior striking and grappling.
The three-round fight saw Nurmagomedov control the octagon from the outset, utilizing a diverse striking arsenal and securing takedowns. While Figueiredo had moments of activity in the second round, Nurmagomedov’s consistent pressure and ground control proved decisive. The judges’ scorecards reflected the dominance, with all three judges scoring the fight 30-27 in favor of Nurmagomedov.
Key Points
- Umar Nurmagomedov defeated Deiveson Figueiredo by unanimous decision at UFC 324.
- All three judges scored the fight 30-27 for Nurmagomedov.
- Figueiredo missed weight prior to the fight, weighing in 2.5 pounds over the bantamweight limit.
- Nurmagomedov controlled the fight with striking and grappling, securing takedowns in all three rounds.
- Nurmagomedov, ranked second in the bantamweight division, is looking to move closer to a title opportunity.
Key Takeaways
- Umar Nurmagomedov reaffirmed his position as a top contender in the bantamweight division.
- Figueiredo’s struggles to make weight potentially impacted his performance and long-term viability at 135 pounds.
- Nurmagomedov’s wrestling-heavy style proved effective against a former champion known for his striking.
- The win positions Nurmagomedov for a potential title eliminator bout in the near future.
- The historical context suggests that a title shot for Nurmagomedov is a focus for his team, particularly Khabib Nurmagomedov.
Impact Analysis
The victory significantly boosts Umar Nurmagomedov’s chances of securing a title shot in the bantamweight division. Given his ranking and dominant performance, he is likely to face another top contender in his next fight, potentially serving as a title eliminator. The historical context, highlighting Khabib Nurmagomedov’s involvement in planning Umar’s career trajectory, suggests a focused approach to securing a championship opportunity. Figueiredo’s future in the bantamweight division is uncertain given his weight issues; a return to flyweight or a move to another organization might be considered. The outcome of this fight could reshape the landscape of the bantamweight division.
First Piper 